There was another mass shooting. This time in Lewiston, Maine. Eighteen people died at the hands of one crazed man. Sadness. Disbelief. Confusion. Abound.
The one voice that keeps repeating in my mind was that of a young girl who was injured. She was shot in the leg. She sat next to her mother as they were interviewed about their experience. After expressing her amazement that being shot was part of her life experience now, she asked a profound question, “Why do people do these things?”
Indeed, why do people do these things?
Evil is in this world. We can give it all kinds of modern definitions, but ultimately it comes down to the fact that evil is a real presence among us.
Jesus said, “You will have suffering [tribulation] in this world.” But then He did not end there. He reminded His listeners to “Be courageous!” because He had “conquered the world.” [John 16:33 HCSB]
As children of God, we do not have to be afraid. Cautious, yes. Wise, yes. But afraid, No. Jesus has given those who have surrendered their lives to Him the ability to be courageous. He has provided the strength to face the world’s evils knowing that even if they kill this body, they cannot divert our eternal destiny from that day when we will be with Him in glory.
Thank you, LORD, for the courage to face this world’s evil. Thank you, LORD, that you have conquered the world. Amen.
